TOUCH SCREEN ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FOR A LIGHTING CONTROL

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to load control devices for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from a power source. More specifically, the present invention relates to a touch dimmer having a touch sensitive device.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] A conventional two-wire dimmer has two terminals: a "hot" terminal for connection to an alternating-current (AC) power supply and a "dimmed hot" terminal for connection to a lighting load. Standard dimmers use one or more semiconductor switches, such as triacs or field effect transistors (FETs), to control the current delivered to the lighting load and thus to control the intensity of the light. The semiconductor switches are typically coupled between the hot and dimmed hot terminals of the dimmer.

[0003] Smart wall-mounted dimmers include a user interface typically having a plurality of buttons for receiving inputs from a user and a plurality of status indicators for providing feedback to the user. These smart dimmers typically include a microcontroller or other processing device for providing an advanced set of control features and feedback options to the end user. An example of a smart dimmer is described in greater detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,919, issued on September 28, 1993, entitled LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] Document US2005146288 A1 discloses a lighting control device for controlling the light intensity level of at least one lamp is disclosed. The lighting control device includes a microcontroller and a user-actuatable switch controller that is operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The microcontroller causes the light intensity level of the lamp to fade at a first fade rate when the switch controller is actuated. If the microcontroller determines that the switch controller has been actuated for at least a predefined actuator hold time, the microcontroller causes the light intensity level of the lamp to fade at a second fade rate for a predefined long fade time. After the long fade time elapses, the microcontroller causes the light intensity level of the lamp to fade to off at a third fade. The first fade rate is based on a predefined fade-off time that represents a time allotted for fading the light intensity level of the lamp from its initial light intensity level to off. To prevent the light intensity level from fading to off before the actuation time elapses, the fade off time may be defined to be longer than the actuation time. The second fade rate may be slower than the first fade rate and have an exponential fade profile. The third fade rate may be a predefined rate at which the microcontroller is programmed to cause the light intensity level to fade from full on to full off. The third fade rate may be quicker than the second fade rate.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a front view of a user interface of a prior art smart dimmer switch 10 for controlling the amount of power delivered from a source of AC power to a lighting load. As shown, the dimmer switch 10 includes a faceplate 12, a bezel 14, an intensity selection actuator 16 for selecting a desired level of light intensity of a lighting load (not shown) controlled by the dimmer switch 10, and a control switch actuator 18. Actuation of the upper portion 16A of the intensity selection actuator 16 increases or raises the light intensity of the lighting load, while actuation of the lower portion 16B of the intensity selection actuator 16 decreases or lowers the light intensity. The intensity selection actuator 16 may control a rocker switch, two separate push switches, or the like. The control switch actuator 18 may control a push switch or any other suitable type of actuator and typically provides tactile and auditory feedback to a user when pressed.

[0006] The smart dimmer 10 also includes an intensity level indicator in the form of a plurality of light sources 20, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Light sources 20 may be arranged in an array (such as a linear array as shown) representative of a range of light intensity levels of the lighting load being controlled. The intensity level of the lighting load may range from a minimum intensity level, which is preferably the lowest visible intensity, but which may be zero, or "full off," to a maximum intensity level, which is typically "full on." Light intensity level is typically expressed as a percentage of full intensity. Thus, when the lighting load is on, light intensity level may range from 1% to 100%.

[0007] By illuminating a selected one of the light sources 20 depending upon light intensity level, the position of the illuminated light source within the array provides a visual indication of the light intensity relative to the range when the lamp or lamps being controlled are on. For example, seven LEDs are illustrated in FIG. 1. Illuminating the uppermost LED in the array will give an indication that the light intensity level is at or near maximum. Illuminating the center LED will give an indication that the light intensity level is at about the midpoint of the range. In addition, when the lamp or lamps being controlled are off, all of the light sources 18 are illuminated at a low level of illumination, while the LED representative of the present intensity level in the on state is illuminated at a higher illumination level. This enables the light source array to be more readily perceived by the eye in a darkened environment, which assists a user in locating the switch in a dark room, for example, in order to actuate the switch to control the lights in the room, and provides sufficient contrast between the level-indicating LED and the remaining LEDs to enable a user to perceive the relative intensity level at a glance.

[0008] Touch dimmers (or "zip" dimmers) are known in the art. A touch dimmer generally includes a touch-operated input device, such as a resistive or a capacitive touch pad. The touch-operated device responds to the force and position of a point actuation on the surface of the device and in turn controls the semiconductor switches of the dimmer. An example of a touch dimmer is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,196,782, issued March 23, 1993, entitled TOUCH-OPERATED POWER CONTROL, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art touch-operated device 30, specifically, a membrane voltage divider. A conductive element 32 and a resistive element 34 are co-extensively supported in close proximity by a spacing frame 36. An input voltage, V_IN, is applied across the resistive element 34 to provide a voltage gradient across its surface. When pressure is applied at a point 38 along the conductive element 32 (by a finger or the like), the conductive element flexes downward and electrically contacts a corresponding point along the surface of the resistive element 34, providing an output voltage, V_OUT, whose value is between the input voltage V_IN and ground. When pressure is released, the conductive element 32 recovers its original shape and becomes electrically isolated from the resistive element 34. The touch-operated device 30 is characterized by a contact resistance R_CONTACT between the conductive element 32 and the resistive element 34. The contact resistance R_CONTACT is dependent upon the force of the actuation of the touch-operated device 30 and is typically substantially small for a normal actuation force.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a user interface of a prior art touch dimmer 40. The dimmer 40 comprises a touch-operated device 30, which is located directly behind a faceplate 42. The faceplate 42 includes a flexible area 44 located directly above the conductive element 32 of the touch-operated device 30 to permit a user to actuate the touch-operated device through the faceplate 42. A conventional phase-control dimming circuit is located within an enclosure 46 and controls the power from a source to a load in accordance with pressure applied to a selectable point on flexible area 44. The faceplate 42 may include optional markings 48, 50, 52 to indicate, respectively, the location of flexible area 44, the lowest achievable intensity level of the load, and location of a "power off control. An optional LED array 54 provides a visual indication of intensity level of the load. When the load is a light source, there is preferably a linear relationship between the number of illuminated LEDs and the corresponding perceived light level. The flexible area 44 may optionally include a light transmissive area through which LED array 54 is visible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present invention, a control structure for an electrical control system for producing a variable output electrical signal to an electrical load for controllably varying are output of said load, comprises: (1) an enclosed volume which contains control electronics; (2) a cover plate on one surface of said enclosed volume having a planar front surface and having a rectangular opening therein; (3) an elongated touch pad disposed in said rectangular opening and coupled to said control electronics and adapted to produce an output signal which is related to the position within the length of said touch pad at which said touch pad is touched by an operator; and (4) said touch pad having a length in excess of about 63,5mm (2.5 inch), a width less than about 4,76mm (3/16 inch) and a height above the surface of said cover plate less than 2,38mm (3/32 inch).

[0012] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a system for controlling power from a source to a load, comprises, in combination: (1) a cover plate that has a front surface with a rectangular opening; (2) a touch pad behind said rectangular opening having an accessible continuous surface area for providing a signal in response to pressure applied anywhere along the length of said area, the signal having at least one characteristic which is a function of the actual location on the area to which said pressure is applied; (3) circuit means to adjust the power provided from said source to said load in accordance with said signal; and (4) said touch pad having a length in excess of about 88,9mm (3.5 inch), a width of about 4,72mm (0.186 inch) and a height above the surface of said cover plate of about 1,44mm (0.057 inch).

[0013] In addition, the present invention provides a control structure for an electrical control system for producing a variable output electrical signal to an electrical load for controllably varying the output of said load. The control structure comprises: (1) an enclosed volume which contains control electronics; (2) a faceplate having a narrow elongated slot therein; (3) an elongated touch screen which is at least partially coextensive with said narrow elongated slot and wider than said slot and supported behind and spaced from the rear surface of said faceplate; (4) a thin status indicator support board mounted atop said elongated touch screen and coextensive therewith; (5) a plurality of status indicators mounted on said thin status indicator support board along a line which is centered on the projected center of said narrow elongated slot; (6) a flexible actuator member comprising an extending thin flange having a central extension extending from one surface thereof, said flange positioned above said status indicator support board and said central extension extending through said elongated slot and above the front surface of said faceplate, said central extension having clearance in its bottom surface at the location of each of said status indicators, whereby said flexible actuator can be depressed at any location along its length to apply pressure to said touch screen at a related location on said touch screen; (7) a plurality of light pipes extending perpendicularly through said central extension and having a bottom surfaces adjacent to and spaced from the top surface of respective ones of said status indicator and having a top ends at the outer surface of said central extension; and (8) circuit means coupling said touch screen to said status indicators to illuminate a respective ones of said status indicators responsive to the application of pressure to the touch screen at locations adjacent thereto.

[0014] The present invention further provides, in combination, a status indicator and a light pipe for conducting the light of said status indicator to a remote location; said status indicator producing a cone of light having an axis perpendicular to its output surface in response to its energization; said light pipe having an input end surface which is parallel to and spaced from said status indicator output surface; said end surface intersecting said cone of light at an axial location such that the full area of the intersection of said cone of light at an axial location is such that the full area of the intersected cone is aligned with the full area of said input end surface of said light pipe.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention that refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 

Fig. 1 is a front view of a user interface of a prior art dimmer;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art touch-operated device;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a user interface of a prior art touch dimmer;

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a touch dimmer according to the present invention;

Fig. 4B is a front view of the touch dimmer of Fig. 4 A;

Fig. 5A is a partial assembled sectional view of a bezel and the touch sensitive device of the touch dimmer of Fig. 4 A;

Fig. 5B is a partial exploded sectional view of the bezel and the touch sensitive device of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 6 shows the force profiles of the components and a cumulative force profile of the touch dimmer of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 7 is a simplified block diagram of the touch dimmer of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram of a stabilizing circuit and a usage detection circuit of the touch dimmer of Fig. 7 according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a simplified schematic diagram of an audible sound generator of the touch dimmer of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a touch dimmer procedure executed by a controller of the dimmer of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of an Idle procedure of the touch dimmer procedure of Fig. 10;

Figs. 12A and 12B are flowcharts of an ActiveHold procedure of the touch dimmer procedure of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a Release procedure of the touch dimmer procedure of Fig. 10;

Figs. 14A and 14B are simplified schematic diagrams of the circuitry for a four wire touch sensitive device and a controller of the touch dimmer of Fig. 4A according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 15 is a simplified schematic diagram of the circuitry for a four wire touch sensitive device and a controller of the touch dimmer of Fig. 4A according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16A is a perspective view of a touch dimmer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16B is a front view of the touch dimmer of Fig. 16A;

Fig. 17A is a bottom cross-sectional view of the touch dimmer of Fig. 16B;

Fig. 17B is an enlarged partial view of the bottom cross-sectional view of Fig. 17A;

Fig. 18A is a left side cross-sectional view of the touch dimmer of Fig. 16B;

Fig. 18B is an enlarged partial view of the left side cross-sectional view Fig. 18A;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a display printed circuit board of the dimmer of Fig. 16A; and

Fig. 20 is an enlarged partial bottom cross-sectional view of a thin touch sensitive actuator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment that is presently preferred, in which like numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

[0018] Figs. 4A and 4B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a touch dimmer 100 according to the present invention. The dimmer 100 includes a faceplate 102, i.e., a cover plate, having a planar front surface 103 and an opening 104. The opening 104 may define a standard industry-defined opening, such as a traditional opening or a decorator opening, or another uniquely-sized opening as shown in Fig. 4A. A bezel 106 having a planar touch sensitive front surface 108 extends through the opening 104 of the faceplate 102. The front surface 108 of the bezel 106 is positioned immediately above a touch sensitive device 110 (shown in Figs. 5A and 5B), i.e., a touch sensitive element, such that a user of the dimmer 100 actuates the touch sensitive element 110 by pressing the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. As shown in Fig. 4A, the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 is substantially flush with the front surface 103 of the faceplate 102, i.e., the plane of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 is coplanar with the plane of the front surface 103 of the faceplate 102. However, the bezel 106 may extend through the opening 104 of the faceplate 102 such that the front surface 108 of the bezel is provided in a plane above the plane of the front surface 103 of the faceplate 102. The faceplate 102 is connected to an adapter 109, which is connected to a yoke (not shown). The yoke is adapted to mount the dimmer 100 to a standard electrical wallbox.

[0019] The dimmer 100 further comprises a visual display, e.g., a plurality of status markers 112 provided in a linear array along an edge of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. The status markers 112 are preferably illuminated from behind by status indicators 114, e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), located internal to the dimmer 100 (see Fig. 7). The dimmer 100 preferably comprises a light pipe (not shown) having a plurality of light conductors to conduct the light from the status indicators 114 inside the dimmer to the markers 112 on the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. The status indicators 114 behind the markers 112 are preferably blue. As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the dimmer 100 comprises seven (7) status markers 112. However, the dimmer 100 may comprise any number of status markers. Further, the status markers 112 may be disposed in a vertical linear array along the center of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. The markers 112 may comprise shadows apparent on the front surface 108 due to voids behind the front surface.

[0020] The front surface 108 of the bezel 106 further includes an icon 116. The icon 116 may be any sort of visual marker, such as, for example, a dot. Upon actuation of the lower portion of the front surface 108 surrounding the icon 116, the dimmer 100 causes a connected lighting load 208 (Fig. 7) to change from on to off (and vice versa), i.e., to toggle. Preferably, a blue status indicator and an orange status indicator are located immediately behind the icon 116, such that the icon 116 is illuminated with blue light when the lighting load 208 is on and illuminated with orange light when the lighting load is off. Actuation of the upper portion of the front surface 108, i.e., above the portion surrounding the icon 116, causes the intensity of the lighting load 208 to change. The status indicators 114 behind the status markers 112 are illuminated to display the intensity of the lighting load 208. For example, if the lighting load 208 is at 50% lighting intensity, the middle status indicator will be illuminated. Preferably, the dimmer 100 does not respond to actuations in a keepout region 118 of the front surface 108. The keepout region 118 prevents inadvertent actuation of an undesired portion of the front surface 108 during operation of the dimmer 100.

[0021] The dimmer 100 further includes an airgap switch actuator 119. Pulling the airgap switch actuator 119 opens a mechanical airgap switch 219 (Fig. 7) inside the dimmer 100 and disconnects the lighting load 208 from a connected AC voltage source 204 (Fig. 7). The airgap switch actuator 119 extends only sufficiently above the front surface 103 of the faceplate 102 to be gripped by a fingernail of a user. The electronic circuitry of the dimmer 100 (to be described in greater detail below) is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown). The PCB is housed in an enclosure (not shown), i.e., an enclosed volume, which is attached to the yoke of the dimmer 100.

[0022] Fig. 5A is a partial assembled sectional view and Fig. 5B is a partial exploded sectional view of the bezel 108 and the touch sensitive device 110 of the dimmer 100 according to the present invention. The touch sensitive device 110 comprises, for example, a resistive divider, and operates in a similar fashion as the touch-operated device 30 of the prior art touch dimmer 40. The touch sensitive device 110 includes a conductive element 120 and a resistive element 122 supported by a spacing frame 124. However, the touch sensitive device 110 may comprise a capacitive touch screen or any other type of touch responsive element. Such touch sensitive devices are often referred to as touch pads or touch screens.

[0023] An elastomer 126 is received by an opening 128 in the rear surface of the bezel 106. The elastomer 126 is positioned between the bezel 106 and the touch sensitive device 110, such that a press on the front surface 108 of the bezel is transmitted to the conductive element 120 of the touch sensitive device 110. Preferably, the elastomer 126 is made of rubber and is 1,016mm (0.040") thick. The elastomer 126 preferably has a durometer of 40A5 but may have a durometer in the range of 2OA to 8OA. The conductive element 120 and the resistive element 122 of the touch sensitive device 110 and the elastomer 126 are preferably manufactured from a transparent material such that the light from the plurality of status indicators 114 inside the dimmer 100 are operable to shine through the touch sensitive device 110 and the elastomer 126 to front surface 108 of the bezel 106.

[0024] The position and size of the touch sensitive device 110 is demonstrated by the dotted line in Fig. 4B. The touch sensitive device 110 has a length Li and a width Wi that is larger than a length L2 and a width W2 of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. Accordingly, a first area Ai of the surface of touch sensitive device 110 (i.e., Ai = Li <-> Wi) is greater than a second area A2 of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 (i.e., A2 = L2 <-> W2). An orthogonal projection of the second area A2 onto the first area Ai is encompassed by the first area Ai, such that a point actuation at any point on the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 is transmitted to the conductive element 120 of the touch sensitive device 110. As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the length L2 of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 is approximately four (4) times greater than the width W2. Preferably, the length L2 of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 is four (4) to six (6) times greater than the width W2. Alternatively, the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 may be provided in an opening of a decorator-style faceplate

[0025] Fig. 6 shows the force profiles of the components of the dimmer 100 shown in Figs. 5A and 5B and a cumulative force profile for the touch sensitive device 110 of the dimmer 100. Each of the force profiles shows the force required to actuate the touch sensitive device 110 with respect to the position of the point actuation. The force profile represents the amount of force required to displace the element by a given amount. While the force profiles in Fig. 6 are shown with respect to the widths of the components of the dimmer 100, a similar force profile is also provided along the length of the components.

[0026] Fig. 6(a) shows a force profile of the bezel 106. The bezel 106 has substantially thin sidewalls 129, e.g., 0,254mm (0.010") thick, such that the bezel 106 exhibits a substantially flat force profile. Fig. 6(b) shows a force profile of the touch sensitive device 110. The force required to actuate the touch sensitive device 110 increases near the edges because of the spacing frames 124. Fig. 6(c) shows a force profile of the elastomer 126. The force profile of the elastomer 126 is substantially flat, i.e., a force at any point on the front surface of the elastomer 126 will result in a substantially equal force at the corresponding point on the rear surface.

[0027] Fig. 6(d) is a total force profile of the touch dimmer 100. The individual force profiles shown in Figs. 6(a) - 6(c) are additive to create the total force profile. The total force profile is substantially flat across the second area A2 of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. This means that a substantially equal minimum actuation force f_MiN is required to actuate the touch sensitive device 110 at all points of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106, even around the edges. Accordingly, the dimmer 100 of the present invention provides a maximum operational area in an opening of a faceplate, i.e., substantially all of the second area A₂ of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106, which is an improvement over the prior art touch dimmers. The minimum actuation force f_MiN is substantially equal at all points on the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. For example, the minimum actuation force f_MiN may be 20 grams.

[0028] Fig. 7 is a simplified block diagram of the touch dimmer 100 according to the present invention. The dimmer 100 has a hot terminal 202 connected to an AC voltage source 204 and a dimmed hot terminal 206 connected to a lighting load 208. The dimmer 100 employs a bidirectional semiconductor switch 210 coupled between the hot terminal 202 and the dimmed hot terminal 206, to control the current through, and thus the intensity of, the lighting load 208. The semiconductor switch 210 has a control input (or gate), which is connected to a gate drive circuit 212. The input to the gate renders the semiconductor switch 210 selectively conductive or non-conductive, which in turn controls the power supplied to the lighting load 208. The gate drive circuit 212 provides a control input to the semiconductor switch 210 in response to a control signal from a controller 214. The controller 214 may be any suitable controller, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a programmable logic device (PLD), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0029] A zero-crossing detect circuit 216 determines the zero-crossing points of the AC source voltage from the AC power supply 204. A zero-crossing is defined as the time at which the AC supply voltage transitions from positive to negative polarity, or from negative to positive polarity, at the beginning of each half-cycle. The zero-crossing information is provided as an input to the controller 214. The controller 214 generates the gate control signals to operate the semiconductor switch 210 to thus provide voltage from the AC power supply 204 to the lighting load 208 at predetermined times relative to the zero-crossing points of the AC waveform. A power supply 218 generates a direct-current (DC) voltage Vcc, e.g., 5 volts, to power the controller 214 and other low voltage circuitry of the dimmer 100.

[0030] The touch sensitive device 110 is coupled to the controller 214 through a stabilizing circuit 220 and a usage detection circuit 222. The stabilizing circuit 220 is operable to stabilize the voltage output of the touch sensitive device 110. Accordingly, the voltage output of the stabilizing circuit 220 is not dependent on the magnitude of the force of the point actuation on the touch sensitive device 110, but rather is dependent solely on the position of the point actuation. The usage detection circuit 222 is operable to detect when a user is actuating the front surface 108 of the dimmer 100. The controller 214 is operable to control the operation of the stabilizing circuit 220 and the usage detection circuit 222 and to receive control signals from both the stabilizing circuit and the usage detection circuit. Preferably, the stabilizing circuit 220 has a slow response time, while the usage detection circuit 222 has a fast response time. Thus, the controller 214 is operable to control the semiconductor switch 210 in response to the control signal provided by the stabilizing circuit 220 when the usage detection circuit 222 has detected an actuation of the touch sensitive device 110.

[0031] The controller 214 is operable to drive the plurality of status indicators 114, e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are located behind the markers 112 on the front surface 108 of the dimmer 100. The status indicators 114 also comprise the blue status indicator and the orange status indicator that are located immediately behind the icon 116. The blue status indicator and the orange status indicator may be implemented as separate blue and orange LEDs, respectively, or as a single bi-colored LED.

[0032] The dimmer 100 further comprises an audible sound generator 224 coupled to the controller 214, such that the controller is operable to cause the sound generator to produce an audible sound in response to an actuation of the touch sensitive device 1 10. A memory 225 is coupled to the controller 214 and is operable to store control information of the dimmer 100.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram of the circuitry for the touch sensitive device 110 and the controller 214, i.e., the stabilizing circuit 220 and the usage detection circuit 222, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The resistive element 122 of the touch sensitive device 110 is coupled between the DC voltage V_cc of the power supply 218 and circuit common, such that the DC voltage V_Cc provides a biasing voltage to the touch sensitive device. The resistance of the resistive element 122 may be, for example, 7.6 kΩ. The position of contact between the conductive element 120 and the resistive element 122 of the touch sensitive device 110 is determined by the position of a point actuation on the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 of the dimmer 100. The conductive element 120 is coupled to both the stabilizing circuit 220 and the usage detection circuit 222. As shown in Fig. 7, the touch sensitive device 110 of the dimmer 100 of the first embodiment is a three-wire device, i.e., the touch sensitive device has three connections or electrodes. The touch sensitive device provides one output that is representative of the position of the point actuation along a Y-axis, i.e., a longitudinal axis of the dimmer 100 as shown in Fig. 4B.

[0034] The stabilizing circuit 220 comprises a whacking-grade capacitor C230 (that is, a capacitor having a large value of capacitance) and a first switch 232. The controller 214 is operable to control the first switch 232 between a conductive state and a non-conductive state. When the first switch 232 is conductive, the capacitor C230 is coupled to the output of the touch sensitive device 110, such that the output voltage is filtered by the capacitor C230. When a touch is present, the voltage on the capacitor C230 will be forced to a steady-state voltage representing the position of the touch on the front surface 108. When no touch is present, the voltage on the capacitor will remain at a voltage representing the position of the last touch. The touch sensitive device 110 and the capacitor C230 form a sample-and-hold circuit. The response time of the sample-and-hold circuit is determined by a resistance RD of the touch sensitive device (i.e., the resistance R_E of the resistive element and a contact resistance R_c) and the capacitance of the capacitor C230. During typical actuation, the contact resistance R_c is small compared to the value of R_E, such that a first charging time constant

is approximately equal to R_E • C230. This time constant

is preferably 13 ms, but may be anywhere between 6ms and 15ms.

[0035] When a light or transient press is applied to the touch sensitive device 110, the capacitor C230 will continue to hold the output at the voltage representing the position of the last touch. During the release of the touch sensitive device 110, transient events may occur that produce output voltages that represent positions other than the actual touch position. Transient presses that are shorter than the first charging time constant

will not substantially affect the voltage on the capacitor C230, and therefore will not substantially affect the sensing of the position of the last actuation. During a light press, a second charging time constant

will be substantially longer than during normal presses, i.e., substantially larger than the first time constant

, due to the higher contact resistance R_C. However, the steady-state value of the voltage across the capacitor C230 will be the same as for a normal press at the same position. Therefore, the output of the stabilizing circuit 220 is representative of only the position of the point of actuation of the touch sensitive device 110.

[0036] The usage detection circuit 222 comprises a resistor R234, a capacitor C236, and a second switch 238, which is controlled by the controller 214. When the switch 238 is conductive, the parallel combination of the resistor R234 and the capacitor C236 is coupled to the output of the touch sensitive device 110. Preferably, the capacitor C236 has a substantially small capacitance C236, such that the capacitor C236 charges substantially quickly in response to all point actuations on the front surface 108. The resistor R234 allows the capacitor C236 to discharge quickly when the switch 238 is non-conductive. Therefore, the output of the usage detection circuit 222 is representative of the instantaneous usage of the touch sensitive device 110.

[0037] The controller 214 controls the switches 232, 238 in a complementary manner. When the first switch 232 is conductive, the second switch 238 is non-conductive, and vice versa. The controller 214 controls the second switch 238 to be conductive for a short period of time t_USAGE once every half cycle of the voltage source 204 to determine whether the user is actuating the front surface 108. Preferably, the short period of time t_USAGE is approximately 100 µsec or 1% of the half-cycle (assuming each half-cycle is 8.33 msec long). For the remainder of the time, the first switch 232 is conductive, such that the capacitor C230 is operable to charge accordingly. When the first switch 232 is non-conductive and the second switch 238 is conductive, the whacking-grade capacitor C230 of the stabilizing circuit 220 is unable to discharge at a significant rate, and thus the voltage developed across the capacitor C230 will not change significantly when the controller 214 is determining whether the touch sensitive device 110 is being actuated through the usage detection circuit 222.

[0038] Fig. 9 is a simplified schematic diagram of the audible sound generator 224 of the dimmer 100. The audible sound generator 224 uses an audio power amplifier integrated circuit (IC) 240, for example, part number TPA721 manufactured by Texas Instruments, Inc., to generate a sound from a piezoelectric or magnetic speaker 242. The amplifier IC 240 is coupled to the DC voltage V_cc (pin 6) and circuit common (pin 7) to power the amplifier IC. A capacitor C244 (preferably having a capacitance of 0.1 µF) is coupled between the DC voltage V_cc and circuit common to decouple the power supply voltage and to ensure the output total harmonic distortion (THD) is as low as possible.

[0039] The audible sound generator 224 receives a SOUND ENABLE signal 246 from the controller 214. The SOUND ENABLE signal 246 is provided to an enable pin (i.e., pin 1) on the amplifier IC 240, such that the audible sound generator 224 will be operable to generate the sound when the SOUND ENABLE signal is at a logic high level.

[0040] The audible sound generate 224 further receives a SOUND WAVE signal 248 from the controller 214. The SOUND WAVE signal 248 is an audio signal that is amplified by the amplifier IC 240 to generate the appropriate sound at the speaker 242. The SOUND WAVE signal 248 is first filtered by a low-pass filter comprising a resistor R250 and a capacitor C252. Preferably, the resistor R250 has a resistance of 1 kΩ and the capacitor C252 has a capacitance of 0.1 nF. The filtered signal is then passed through a capacitor C254 to produce an input signal V_IN. The capacitor C254 allows the amplifier IC to bias the input signal V_IN to the proper DC level for optimum operation and preferably has a capacitance of 0.1 µF. The input signal V_IN is provided to a negative input (pin 4) of the amplifier IC 240 through a input resistor Ri. A positive input (pin 3) of the amplifier IC 240 and with a bypass pin (pin 2) are coupled to circuit common through a bypass capacitor C256 (preferably, having a capacitance of 0.1 µF).

[0041] The output signal V_OUT of the amplifier IC 240 is produced from a positive output (pin 5) to a negative output (pin 8) and is provided to the speaker 242. The negative input (pin 4) is coupled to the positive output (pin 5) through an output resistor R_F. The gain of the amplifier IC 240 is set by the input resistor Ri and the feedback resistor RF, i.e.,

[0042] Preferably, the input resistor Ri and the output resistor R_F both have resistances of 10kΩ, such that the gain of the amplifier IC 240 is negative two (-2).

[0043] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a touch dimmer procedure 300 executed by the controller 214 of the dimmer 100 according to the present invention. Preferably, the touch dimmer procedure 300 is called from the main loop of the software of the controller 214 once every half cycle of the AC voltage source 204. The touch dimmer procedure 300 selectively executes one of three procedures depending upon the state of the dimmer 100. If the dimmer 100 is in an "Idle" state (i.e., the user is not actuating the touch sensitive device 110) at step 310, the controller 214 executes an Idle procedure 400. If the dimmer 100 is in an "ActiveHold" state (i.e., the user is presently actuating the touch sensitive device 110) at step 320, the controller 214 executes an ActiveHold procedure 500. If the dimmer 100 is in a "Release" state (i.e., the user has recently ceased actuating the touch sensitive device 110) at step 330, the controller 214 executes a Release procedure 600.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a flowchart of the Idle procedure 400 according to the present invention. The controller 114 uses a "sound flag" and a "sound counter" to determine when to cause the audible sound generator 224 to generate the audible sound. The purpose of the sound flag is to cause the sound to be generated the first time that the controller 214 executes the ActiveHold procedure 500 after being in the Idle state. If the sound flag is set, the controller 214 will cause the sound to be generated. The sound counter is used to ensure that the controller 214 does not cause the audible sound generator 224 to generate the audible sound too often. The sound counter preferably has a maximum sound counter value S_MAX, e.g., approximately 425 msec. Accordingly, there is a gap of approximately 425 msec between generations of the audible sound. The sound counter is started during the Release procedure 600 as will be described in greater detail below. Referring to Fig. 11, upon entering the Idle state, the controller 214 sets the sound flag at step 404 if the sound flag is not set at step 402.

[0045] An "LED counter" and an "LED mode" are used by the controller 214 to control the status indicators 114 (i.e., the LEDs) of the dimmer 100. The controller 214 uses the LED counter to determine when a predetermined time t_LED has expired since the touch sensitive device 110 was actuated. When the predetermined time t_LED has expired, the controller 214 will change the LED mode from "active" to "inactive". When the LED mode is "active", the status indicators 114 are controlled such that one or more of the status indicators are illuminated to a bright level. When the predetermined time t_LED expires, the LED mode is changed to "inactive", i.e., the status indicators 114 are controlled such that one or more of the status indicators are illuminated to a dim level. Referring to Fig. 11 , if the LED counter is less than a maximum LED counter value L_MAX at step 410, the LED counter is incremented at step 412 and the process moves on to step 418. However, if the LED counter is not less than the maximum LED counter value L_MAX, the LED counter is cleared at step 414 and the LED mode is set to inactive at step 416. Since the touch dimmer procedure 300 is executed once every half cycle, the predetermined time t_LED is preferably equal to

where T_HALF is the period of a half cycle.

[0046] Next, the controller 214 reads the output of the usage detection circuit 222 to determine if the touch sensitive device 110 is being actuated. Preferably, the usage detection circuit 222 is monitored once every half cycle of the voltage source 204. At step 418, the controller 214 opens switch 232 and closes switch 238 to couple the resistor R234 and the capacitor C236 to the output of the touch sensitive device 110. The controller 214 determines the DC voltage of the output of the usage detection circuit 222 at step 420, preferably, by using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Next, the controller 214 closes switch 232 and opens switch 238 at step 422.

[0047] At step 424, if there is activity on the front surface 108 of the dimmer 100, i.e., if the DC voltage determined at step 420 is above a predetermined minimum voltage threshold, then an "activity counter" is incremented at step 426. Otherwise, the activity counter is cleared at step 428. The activity counter is used by the controller 214 to determine if the DC voltage determined at step 420 is the result of a point actuation of the touch sensitive device 110 rather than noise or some other undesired impulse. The use of the activity counter is similar to a software "debouncing" procedure for a mechanical switch, which is well known in the art. If the activity counter is not less than a maximum activity counter value A_MAX at step 430, then the dimmer state is set to the ActiveHold state at step 432. Otherwise, the process simply exits at step 434.

[0048] Figs. 12A and 12B are flowcharts of the ActiveHold procedure 500, which is executed once every half cycle when the touch sensitive device 110 is being actuated, i.e., when the dimmer 100 is in the ActiveHold state. First, a determination is made as to whether the user has stopped using, i.e., released, the touch sensitive device 110. The controller 214 opens switch 232 and closes switch 238 at step 510, and reads the output of the usage detection circuit 222 at step 512. At step 514, the controller 214 closes switch 232 and opens switch 238. If there is no activity on the front surface 108 of the dimmer 100 at step 516, the controller 214 increments an "inactivity counter" at step 518. The controller 214 uses the inactivity counter to make sure that the user is not actuating the touch sensitive device 110 before entering the Release mode. If the inactivity counter is less than a maximum inactivity counter value I_MAX at step 520, the process exits at step 538. Otherwise, the dimmer state is set to the Release state at step 522, and then the process exits.

[0049] If there is activity on the touch sensitive device 110 at step 516, the controller 214 reads the output of the stabilizing circuit 220, which is representative of the position of the point actuation on the front surface 108 of the dimmer 100. Since the switch 232 is conductive and the switch 238 is non-conductive, the controller 214 determines the DC voltage at the output of the stabilizing circuit 220, preferably using an ADC, at step 524.

[0050] Next, the controller 214 uses a buffer to "filter" the output of stabilizing circuit 220. When a user actuates the touch sensitive device 110, the capacitor C23O will charge to approximately the steady-state voltage representing the position of the actuation on the front surface 108 across a period of time determined by the first time constant X1 as previously described. Since the voltage across the capacitor C230, i.e., the output of the stabilizing circuit 220, is increasing during this time, the controller 214 delays for a predetermined period of time at step 525, preferably, for approximately three (3) half cycles.

[0051] When a user's finger is removed from the front surface 108 of the bezel 106, subtle changes in the force and position of the point actuation occur, i.e., a "finger roll-off" event occurs. Accordingly, the output signal of the touch sensitive device 110 is no longer representative of the position of the point actuation. To prevent the controller 214 from processing reads during a finger roll-off event, the controller 214 saves the reads in the buffer and processes the reads with a delay, e.g., six half cycles later. Specifically, when the delay is over at step 525, the controller 214 rotates the new read (i.e., from step 524) into the buffer at step 526. If the buffer has at least six reads at step 528, the controller 214 averages the reads in the fifth and sixth positions in the buffer at step 530 to produce the touch position data. In this way, when the user stops actuating the touch sensitive device 110, the controller 214 detects this change at step 516 and sets the dimmer state to the Release state at step 522 before the controller processes the reads saved in the buffer near the transition time of the touch sensitive device.

[0052] At step 532, the controller 114 determines if the touch position data from step 530 is in the keepout region 118 (as shown in Fig. 4B). If the touch position data is in the keepout region 118, the ActiveHold procedure 500 simply exits at step 538. Otherwise, a determination is made at step 534 as to whether the sound should be generated. Specifically, if the sound flag is set and if the sound counter has reached a maximum sound counter value S_MAX, the controller 214 drives the SOUND ENABLE signal 246 high and provides the SOUND WAVE signal 248 to the audible sound generator 224 to generate the sound at step 535. Further, the sound flag is cleared at step 536 such that the sound will not be generated as long as the dimmer 100 remains in the ActiveHold state.

[0053] If the touch position data is in the toggle area, i.e., the lower portion of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106 surrounding the icon 116 (as shown in Fig. 4A), at step 540, the controller 214 processes the actuation of the touch sensitive device 110 as a toggle. If the lighting load 208 is presently off at step 542, the controller 214 turns the lighting load on. Specifically, the controller 214 illuminates the icon 116 with the blue status indicator at step 544 and dims the lighting load 208 up to the preset level, i.e., the desired lighting intensity of the lighting load, at step 546. If the lighting load is presently on at step 542, the controller 214 turns on the orange status indicator behind the icon 116 at step 548 and fades the lighting load 208 to off at step 550.

[0054] If the touch position data is not in the toggle area at step 540, the controller 214 scales the touch position data at step 552. The output of the stabilizing circuit 220 is a DC voltage between a maximum value, i.e., substantially the DC voltage Vcc, and a minimum value, which corresponds to the DC voltage providing by the touch sensitive device 110 when a user is actuating the lower end of the upper portion of the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. The controller 214 scales this DC voltage to be a value between off (i.e., 1%) and full intensity (i.e., 100%) of the lighting load 208. At step 554, the controller 214 dims the lighting load 208 to the scaled level produced in step 552.

[0055] Next, the controller 214 changes the status indicators 114 located behind the markers 112 on the front surface 108 of the bezel 106. As a user actuates the touch sensitive device 110 to change intensity of the lighting load 208, the controller 214 decides whether to change the status indicator 114 that is presently illuminated. Since there are seven (7) status indicators to indicate an intensity between 1% and 100%, the controller 214 may illuminate the first status indicator, i.e., the lowest status indicator, to represent an intensity between 1% and 14%, the second status indicator to represent an intensity between 15% and 28%, and so on. The seventh status indicator, i.e., the highest status indicator, may be illuminated to represent an intensity between 85% and 100%. Preferably, the controller 214 uses hysteresis to control the status indicators 114 such that if the user actuates the front surface 108 at a boundary between two of the regions of intensities described above, consecutive status indicators do not toggle back and forth.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 12B, a determination is made as to whether a change is needed as to which status indicator is illuminated at step 556. If the present LED (in result to the touch position data from step 530) is the same as the previous LED, then no change in the LED is required. The present LED is set the same as the previous LED at step 558, a hysteresis counter is cleared at step 560, and the process exits at step 570.

[0057] If the present LED is not the same as the previous LED at step 556, the controller 214 determines if the LED should be changed. Specifically, at step 562, the controller 214 determines if present LED would change if the light level changed by 2% from the light level indicated by the touch position data. If not, the hysteresis counter is cleared at step 560 and the process exits at step 570. Otherwise, the hysteresis counter is incremented at step 564. If the hysteresis counter is less than a maximum hysteresis counter value HMAX at step 566, the process exits at step 570. Otherwise, the LEDs are changed accordingly based on the touch position data at step 568.

[0058] Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the Release procedure 600, which is executed after the controller 214 sets the dimmer state to the Release state at step 522 of the ActiveHold procedure 500. First, a save flag is set at step 610. Next, the sound counter is reset at step 612 to ensure that the sound will not be generated again, e.g., for preferably 18 half cycles. At step 618, a determination is made as to whether the dimmer 100 is presently executed a fade-to-off. If not, the present level is saved as the preset level in the memory 225 at step 620. Otherwise, the desired lighting intensity is set to off at step 622, the long fade countdown in started at step 624, and the preset level is saved as off in the memory 225.

[0059] Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B are simplified schematic diagrams of the circuitry for a four- wire touch sensitive device 710 and a controller 714 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The four- wire touch sensitive device 710 has four connections, i.e., electrodes, and provides two outputs: a first output representative of the position of a point actuation along the Y-axis, i.e., the longitudinal axis of the dimmer 100 a shown in Fig. 4B, and a second output representative of the position of the point actuation along the X-axis, i.e., an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The four-wire touch sensitive device 710 provides the outputs depending on how the DC voltage Vcc is connected to the touch sensitive device. A stabilizing circuit 720 is operatively coupled to the first output and a usage detection circuit 722 is operatively coupled to the second output.

[0060] The controller 714 controls three switches 760, 762, 764 to connect the touch sensitive device 710 to the DC voltage VCc accordingly. When the switches 760, 762, 764 are connected in position A as shown in Fig. 14A, the DC voltage Vcc is coupled across the Y-axis resistor, and the X-axis resistor provides the output to the stabilizing circuit 720. When the switches 760, 762, 764 are connected in position B as shown in Fig. 14B, the DC voltage Vcc is coupled across the X-axis resistor, and the Y-axis resistor provides the output to the usage detection circuit 722. Since the controller 714 provides one output signal to control whether the stabilizing circuit 720 or the usage detection circuit 722 is coupled to the touch sensitive device 110, the software executed by the controller 714 is the same as the software executed by the controller 214 shown in Figs. 10 - 13.

[0061] Fig. 15 is a simplified schematic diagram of the circuitry for the four-wire touch sensitive device 710 and a controller 814 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The controller 814 is operable to read the position of a point actuation on the four-wire touch sensitive device 710 along both the Y-axis and the X-axis. When determining the position along the Y-axis, the controller 814 operates the same as the controller 714 shown in Figs. 14A and 14B by controlling the switches 760, 762, 764 as described above.

[0062] An additional stabilizing circuit 870 is provided for determining the position of the point actuation along the X-axis. The additional stabilizing circuit 870 comprises a whacking-grade capacitor C872. The controller 814 controls a switch 874 to selectively switch the output of the X-axis between the usage detection circuit 722 and the additional stabilizing circuit 870. The controller 814 controls the switch 874 in a similar fashion to how the controller 214 controls the switches 232, 238 (as shown in Fig. 8).

[0063] Figs. 16A and 16B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a touch dimmer 900 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17A is a bottom cross-sectional view and Fig. 17B is an enlarged partial bottom cross-sectional view of the dimmer 900. Fig. 18A is a left side cross-sectional view and Fig. 18B is an enlarged partial left side cross-sectional view of the dimmer 900.

[0064] The touch dimmer 900 includes a thin touch sensitive actuator 910 comprising an actuation member 912 extending through a bezel 914. The dimmer 900 further comprises a faceplate 916, which has a non-standard opening 918 and mounts to an adapter 920. The bezel 914 is housed behind the faceplate 916 and extends through the opening 918. The adapter 920 connects to a yoke 922, which is adapted to mount the dimmer 900 to a standard electrical wallbox. A main printed circuit board (PCB) 924 is mounted inside an enclosure 926 and includes the some of the electrical circuitry of the dimmer 200, e.g., the semiconductor switch 210, the gate drive circuit 212, the controller 214, the zero-crossing detect circuit 216, the power supply 218, the stabilizing circuit 220, the usage detection circuit 222, the audible sound generator 224, and the memory 225, of the dimmer 200. The thin touch sensitive actuator 910 preferably extends beyond the faceplate by 1,58mm (1/16"), i.e., has a height of 1,58mm (1/16"), but may have a height in the range of 0,79mm (1/32") to 2,38mm (3/32"). Preferably, the touch sensitive actuator 910 has a length of 47,625mm (3•5/8") and a width of 4,76mm (3/16"). However, the length and the width of the touch sensitive actuator 910 may be in the ranges of 31,75mm (2•5/8") 101,6mm (4") and 3,175mm (1/8") - 6,35mm (1/4"), respectively.

[0065] The touch sensitive actuator 910 operates to contact a touch sensitive device 930 inside the touch dimmer 900. The touch sensitive device 930 is contained by a base 932. The actuation member 912 includes a plurality of long posts 934, which contact the front surface of the touch sensitive device 930 and are arranged in a linear array along the length of the actuation member. The posts 934 act as force concentrators to concentrate the force from an actuation of the actuation member 912 to the touch sensitive device 930.

[0066] A plurality of status indicators 936 are arranged in a linear array behind the actuation member 912. The status indicators are mounted on a display PCB 938, i.e., a status indicator support board, which is mounted between the touch sensitive device 930 and the bezel 914. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the display PCB 938. The display PCB 938 includes a plurality of holes 939, which the long posts 934 extend through to contact the touch sensitive device 930. The actuation member 912 is preferably constructed from a translucent material such that the light of the status indicators 936 is transmitted to the surface of the actuation member. A plurality of short posts 940 are provided in the actuation member 912 directly above the status indicators 936 to operate as light pipes for the linear array of status indicators. The display PCB 938 comprises a tab 952 having a connector 954 on the bottom side for connecting the display PCB 938 to the main PCB 924.

[0067] The actuation member 912 comprises a notch 942, which separates a lower portion 944 and an upper portion 946 of the actuation member. Upon actuation of the lower portion 944 of the actuation member 912, the dimmer 900 causes the connected lighting load to toggle from on to off (and vice versa). Preferably, a blue status indicator 948 and an orange status indicator 950 are located behind the lower portion 944, such that the lower portion is illuminated with blue light when the lighting load is on and illuminated with orange light with the lighting load is off. Actuation of the upper portion 946 of the actuation member 912, i.e., above the notch 942, causes the intensity of the lighting load to change to a level responsive to the position of the actuation on the actuation member 912. The status indicators 936 behind the status markers 112 are illuminated to display the intensity of the lighting load as with the previously-discussed touch dimmer 100.

[0068] Fig. 20 is an enlarged partial bottom cross-sectional view of a thin touch sensitive actuator 960 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The touch sensitive actuator 960 comprises an actuation member 962 having two posts 964 for actuating the touch sensitive device 930. A plurality of status indicators 966 are mounted on a flexible display PCB 968, i.e., a flexible status indicator support board, which the posts 964 of the actuation member 962 are operable to actuate the touch sensitive device 930 through. The status indicators 966 are preferably blue LEDs and are arranged along the length of the actuation member 962. Preferably, the actuation member 962 is constructed from a translucent material such that the light of the status indicators 966 is transmitted to the surface of the actuation member.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control device (100, 900) for an electrical control system for producing a variable output electrical signal to an electrical load for controllably varying an output of said load in accordance with the position of the point actuation, said control structure comprising:

- an enclosed volume which contains electronic circuitry, said enclosed volume comprising a front surface;

- a cover plate (102, 916) adapted to cover said front surface of said enclosed volume, said cover plate (102, 916) having a planar front surface (103) and having a rectangular opening (104, 918) therein;

- an elongated touch actuation member (106, 912) disposed in said rectangular opening (104, 918) and adapted to have an operating pressure applied thereto, said elongated touch actuation member (106, 912) being arranged along a longitudinal axis of said control device (100, 900); and

- a touch sensitive device (110, 930) aligned with said rectangular opening (104, 918) and extending along said longitudinal direction for substantially the length of said elongated touch actuation member (106, 912), said touch sensitive device (110, 930) mounted between said cover plate (102, 916) and said front surface of said enclosed volume, said touch sensitive device (110, 930) coupled to said electronic circuitry and adapted to produce an output signal which is related to the position within the length of said touch actuation member (106, 912) at which said operating pressure is applied;

- wherein said touch actuation member (106, 912) comprises a plurality of first posts (934) extending in a linear array along said longitudinal axis of said control device (100, 900) for substantially the length of said touch actuation member (106, 912), the plurality of first posts (934) operable to transmit the force of the point actuation onto said touch sensitive device (110, 930) in response to the position of the point actuation.

2. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 1, wherein said touch actuation member (106, 912) has a length in excess of about 88,9mm (3.5 inch), a width of about 4,72mm (0.186 inch) and a height above the surface of said cover plate (102, 916) of about 1,58mm (0.0625 inch).

3. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 1, wherein said touch sensitive device (110, 930) is a resistive divider touch pad.

4. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 1, wherein said touch sensitive device (110, 930) is a capacitive touch pad.

5. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 1, wherein said elongated touch actuation member (106, 912) is straight and extends along a longitudinal axis of said cover plate (102, 916), such that said touch actuation member (106, 912) is parallel to the sides of said cover plate (102,916).

6. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 1, wherein said elongated touch actuation member (106, 912) is in the center of the width of said cover plate (102, 916).

7. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 1, further comprising:

- a mounting yoke (922);

- an enclosure (926) for said enclosed volume, said enclosure coupled to said mounting yoke (922) at a periphery of said enclosure;

- further wherein said cover plate (102, 916) is connected to said yoke (922);

- said elongated touch actuation member (106, 912) having an accessible continuous surface area adapted to have an operating pressure applied thereto;

- said touch sensitive device (110, 930) providing said output signal in response to said operating pressure applied anywhere along the length of said surface area (108) of said touch actuation member (106, 912), said output signal having at least one characteristic which is a function of the actual location on said surface area to which said operating pressure is applied, said touch sensitive device (110, 930) mounted between said cover plate (102, 916) and said mounting yoke (922);

- wherein said electronic circuitry is configured to adjust the power provided to said load in accordance with said output signal.

8. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 7, wherein said touch actuation member (106, 912) has a length in excess of about 63,5mm (2.5 inch), a width less than about 4,76mm (3/16 inch) and a height above the surface of said cover plate (102, 916) less than 2,38mm (3/32 inch).

9. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 8, wherein said touch actuation member (106, 912) has a length of about 31,75mm (2•5/8 inch) to about 101,6mm (4 inch), a width of about 3,175mm (1/8) to about 6,35mm (1/4 inch) and a height of about 0,79mm (1/32 inch) to about 2,38mm (3/32 inch).

10. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 9, wherein said touch actuation member (106, 912) has a length of about 47,625mm (3•5/8 inch), a width of about 4,76mm (3/16 inch) and a height of about 1,58mm (1/16 inch).

11. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 7, wherein said elongated touch actuation member (106, 912) is disposed in the center of the width of said cover plate (102, 916).

12. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 1, wherein

- said cover plate rectangular opening (104, 918) comprises a narrow elongated slot; and

- said elongated touch sensitive device (110, 930) is wider than said slot, and supported behind and spaced from said rear surface of said cover plate (102, 916); said control device (100, 900) further comprising

- a thin status indicator support board (938) mounted atop said touch sensitive device (110, 930);

- a plurality of status indicators (936) mounted on said thin status indicator support board along a line which is centered on the projected center of said narrow elongated slot;

- wherein the elongated touch actuation member (106, 912) comprises a flexible actuator member comprising an extending thin flange having a central extension extending from one surface thereof, said flange positioned above said status indicator support board and said central extension extending through said elongated slot and above the front surface of said cover plate (102, 916), said central extension having clearance in its bottom surface at the location of each of said status indicators, said first posts (934) extending through openings of said thin status indicator support board for actuating said touch sensitive device (110, 930), whereby said flexible actuator member can be depressed at any location along its length, such that said first posts (934) apply pressure to said touch sensitive device (110, 930) at a related location on said touch sensitive device (110, 930);

- said control device (100, 900) further comprising a plurality of light pipes extending perpendicularly through said central extension and having a bottom surfaces adjacent to and spaced from the top surface of respective ones of said status indicator and having a top end at the outer surface of said central extension;

- wherein said electronic circuitry couples said touch sensitive device (110, 930) to said status indicators (936) to illuminate a respective ones of said status indicators (936) responsive to the application of pressure to the touch sensitive device (110, 930) at locations adjacent thereto.

13. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 12, wherein said flange and central extension are integrally formed in a thin flexible material.

14. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 12, wherein the top surface of said central extension is cylindrical.

15. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 12, wherein said bottom end of said central extension has protruding pressure points for applying local pressure to said touch sensitive device (110, 930) in response to pressure at the corresponding top location of said central extension.

16. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 14, wherein said bottom end of said central extension has protruding pressure points for applying local pressure to said touch sensitive device (110, 930) in response to pressure at the corresponding top location of said central extension.

17. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 12, wherein said central extension extends above the front of said faceplate (102, 916) by about 1,524mm (0.060 inch).

18. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 14, wherein said central extension extends above the front of said faceplate (102, 916) by about 1,524mm (0.060 inch).

19. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 12, wherein said status indicators (936) are blue LEDs.

20. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 1, wherein said electronic circuitry comprises:

- a semiconductor switch (210) operable to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source (204) and the load (208), the semiconductor switch having a control input for controlling the semiconductor switch between a non-conductive state and a conductive state; and

- a controller (214) coupled to the control input of the semiconductor switch (210) for controlling the semiconductor switch between the non-conductive state and the conductive state;

- further wherein the touch actuation member (106, 912) is operable to be actuated with a point actuation characterized by a position and a force, the touch actuation member (106, 912) operable to contact the touch sensitive device (110, 930) so as to concentrate the force of the point actuation onto the touch sensitive device (110, 930), the touch sensitive device (110, 930) having an output operatively coupled to the controller (214) for providing a control signal representative of the position of the point actuation.

21. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 20, further comprising: a plurality of status indicators (936) located between the touch sensitive device (110, 930) and the touch actuation member (106, 912).

22. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 21, wherein the touch actuation member (106, 912) comprises a translucent material such that the touch actuation member (106, 912) operates as a light pipe for the status indicators.

23. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 22, further comprising: a printed circuit board (938) located between the touch sensitive device (110, 930) and the touch actuation member (106,912).

24. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 23, wherein the printed circuit board (938) comprises

- a plurality of holes (939) arranged along the longitudinal axis of the control device (100, 900); and

- further wherein the plurality of first posts (934) are operable to extend through the plurality of holes (939) of the printed circuit board (938) such that the touch actuation member (106, 912) is operable to transmit the force of the point actuation onto the touch sensitive device (110, 930).

25. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 22, wherein the status indicators (936) are provided in a linear array along a longitudinal axis of the control device (100, 900) and are operable to illuminate to display a representation of the amount of power delivered to the electrical load.

26. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 20, further comprising:

- a printed circuit board (938) located between the touch sensitive device (110, 930) and the touch actuation member (106, 912), the printed circuit board (938) having a plurality of holes (939) arranged along the longitudinal axis of the control device (100, 900);

- wherein the plurality of first posts (934) are operable to extend through the plurality of holes (939) of the printed circuit board (938) such that the touch actuation member (106, 912) is operable to transmit the force of the point actuation onto the touch sensitive device (110, 930).

27. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 26, further comprising:

- a plurality of status indicators (936) mounted to the printed circuit board (938) in a linear array along the longitudinal axis of the control device (100, 900) for substantially the length of the touch actuation member (106, 912);

- wherein the touch actuation member (106, 912) comprises a plurality of second posts (940) having lengths less than the lengths of the first posts (934), each of the plurality of status indicators (936) located behind one of the second posts (940).

28. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 27, wherein the touch actuation member (106, 912) comprises a translucent material such that the touch actuation member (106, 912) operates as a light pipe for the status indicators (936).

29. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 20, further comprising:

- a bezel (914) received in the opening (104, 918) of the faceplate (102, 916) and mounted to the control device (100, 900) such that the bezel (914) is fixed in location with relation to the faceplate (102, 916), the bezel (914) including an opening;

- wherein the touch actuation member (106, 912) is received in the opening of the bezel (914) such that the touch actuation member (106, 912) is operable to move with relation to the bezel (914).

30. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 23, wherein the status indicators (936) are mounted in a linear array on the printed circuit board (938).

31. A control device (100, 900) according to claim 30, wherein the status indicators (936) are provided in a linear array along a longitudinal axis of the control device (100, 900) and are operable to illuminate to display a representation of the amount of power delivered to the electrical load; and

- wherein the touch actuation member (106, 912) and the linear array of status indicators (936) are provided along a longitudinal axis of the control device (100, 900).

Ansprüche

1. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) für ein elektrisches Steuersystem zur Herstellung eines veränderlichen elektrischen Ausgangssignals an einen elektrischen Verbraucher zum steuerbaren Verändern einer Ausgabe des Verbrauchers gemäß der Position der Punktbetätigung, wobei die Steuerstruktur aufweist:

- ein umschlossenes Volumen, das elektronische Schaltungsanordnungen enthält, wobei das umschlossene Volumen eine vordere Oberfläche aufweist;

- eine Abdeckplatte (102, 916), die geeignet ist, die vordere Oberfläche des umschlossenen Volumens zu bedecken, wobei die Abdeckplatte (102, 916) eine planare vordere Oberfläche (103) und eine rechteckige Öffnung (104, 918) darin hat;

- ein längliches Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912), das in der rechteckigen Öffnung (104, 918) angeordnet ist und dafür geeignet ist, dass ein Bediendruck darauf angewendet wird, wobei das längliche Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) entlang einer Längsachse der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) angeordnet ist; und

- eine berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930), die mit der rechteckigen Öffnung (104, 918) ausgerichtet ist und sich im Wesentlichen in der Länge des längliches Berührungsbetätigungselements (106, 912) entlang der Längsrichtung erstreckt, wobei die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) zwischen der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) und der vorderen Oberfläche des umschlossenen Volumens montiert ist, wobei die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) mit der elektronischen Schaltungsanordnung gekoppelt ist und geeignet ist, ein Ausgangssignal zu erzeugen, das sich auf die Position innerhalb der Länge des Berührungsbetätigungselements (106, 912), an der der Bediendruck angewendet wird, bezieht;

- wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) mehrere erste Säulen (934) aufweist, die sich in einer linearen Anordnung im Wesentlichen über die Länge des Berührungsbetätigungselements (106, 912) entlang der Längsachse der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) erstrecken, wobei die mehreren ersten Säulen (934) betriebsfähig sind, um die Kraft des Betätigungspunkts ansprechend auf die Position der Punktbetätigung auf die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110,930) zu übertragen.

2. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) eine größere Länge als etwa 88,9 mm (3,5 Inch), eine Breite von etwa 4,72 mm (0,0186 Inch) und eine Höhe über der Oberfläche der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) von etwa 1,58 mm (0,0625 Inch) hat.

3. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) ein Spannungsteiler-Touchpad ist.

4. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) ein kapazitives Touchpad ist.

5. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das längliche Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) gerade ist und sich entlang einer Längsachse der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) erstreckt, so dass das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) parallel zu den Seiten der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) ist.

6. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das längliche Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) in der Mitte der Breite der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) ist.

7. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 1, die ferner aufweist:

- ein Montagejoch (922);

- eine Einfassung (926) für das umschlossene Volumen, wobei die Einfassung an einem Umfang der Einfassung mit dem Montagejoch (922) gekoppelt ist;

- wobei die Abdeckplatte (102, 916) ferner mit dem Joch (922) verbunden ist;

- wobei das längliche Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) einen zugänglichen zusammenhängenden Oberflächenbereich hat, der geeignet ist, dass ein Bediendruck auf ihn angewendet wird;

- wobei die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) ansprechend auf das Anwenden des Bediendrucks irgendwo entlang der Länge des Oberflächenbereichs (108) des Berührungsbetätigungselements (106, 912) das Ausgangssignal bereitstellt, wobei das Ausgangssignal wenigstens eine Charakteristik hat, die eine Funktion des tatsächlichen Orts auf dem Oberflächenbereich ist, auf den der Bediendruck angewendet wird, wobei die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) zwischen der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) und dem Montagejoch (922) montiert ist;

- wobei die elektronische Schaltungsanordnung konfiguriert ist, um die Leistung, die an die Last bereitgestellt wird, gemäß dem Ausgangssignal einzustellen.

8. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) eine größere Länge als etwa 63,5 mm (2,5 Inch), eine Breite von weniger als etwa 4,76 mm (3/16 Inch) und eine Höhe über der Oberfläche der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) von weniger als 2,38 mm (3/32 Inch) hat.

9. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) eine Länge von etwa 31,75 mm (2•5/8 Inch) bis etwa 101,6 mm (4 Inch), eine Breite von etwa 3,175 mm (1/8 Inch) bis etwa 6,35 mm (1/4 Inch) und eine Höhe von etwa 0,79 mm (1/32 Inch) bis etwa 2,38 mm (3/32) Inch) hat.

10. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) eine Länge von etwa 47,625 mm (3•5/8 Inch), eine Breite von etwa 4,76 mm (3/16 Inch) und eine Höhe von etwa 1,58 mm (1/16 Inch) hat.

11. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das längliche Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) in der Mitte der Breitenrichtung der Abdeckplatte (102, 916), angeordnet ist.

12. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 1, wobei

- die rechteckige Öffnung (104, 918) der Abdeckplatte einen schmalen länglichen Schlitz aufweist; und

- die längliche berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 916) breiter als der Schlitz ist und hinter der hinteren Oberfläche der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) und von dieser beabstandet gehalten wird, wobei die Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) ferner aufweist:

- eine dünne Statusanzeige-Trägerplatte (938), die oben auf die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) montiert ist;

- mehrere Statusanzeigen (936), die entlang einer Linie, die auf die projizierte Mitte des schmalen länglichen Schlitzes zentriert ist, auf die dünne Statusanzeige-Trägerplatte montiert sind;

- wobei das längliche Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) einen flexibles Betätigungselement aufweist, das einen sich ausdehnenden dünnen Flansch mit einer zentralen Ausdehnung aufweist, die sich von einer seiner Oberflächen erstreckt, wobei der Flansch über der Statusanzeige-Trägerplatte positioniert ist und die zentrale Ausdehnung sich durch den länglichen Schlitz und oberhalb der vorderen Oberfläche der Abdeckplatte (102, 916) erstreckt, wobei die zentrale Ausdehnung an dem Ort jeder der Statusanzeigen einen Spielraum an seiner unteren Oberfläche hat, wobei die ersten Säulen (934) sich durch Öffnungen der dünnen Statusanzeige-Trägerplatte erstrecken, um die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) zu betätigen, wodurch das flexible Betätigungselement an jedem Ort entlang seiner Länge herunter gedrückt werden kann, so dass erste Säulen (934) an einem betroffenen Ort auf der berührungsempfindlichen Vorrichtung (110, 930) Druck auf die druckempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) anwenden;

- die Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) ferner mehrere Lichtleiter aufweist, die sich senkrecht durch die zentrale Ausdehnung erstrecken und untere Oberflächen haben, die benachbart zu und beabstandet von der oberen Oberfläche der jeweiligen Statusanzeigen sind und ein oberes Ende auf der Außenoberfläche der zentralen Ausdehnung haben;

- wobei die elektronische Schaltungsanordnung die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) mit den Statusanzeigen (936) koppelt, um ansprechend auf die Anwendung von Druck auf die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) an dazu benachbarten Orten eine jeweilige der Statusanzeigen (936) zu erleuchten.

13. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 12, wobei der Flansch und die zentrale Ausdehnung integral aus einem dünnen flexiblen Material ausgebildet sind.

14. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 12, wobei die obere Oberfläche der zentralen Ausdehnung zylindrisch ist.

15. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 12, wobei das untere Ende der zentralen Ausdehnung vorstehende Druckpunkte hat, um ansprechend auf Druck an dem entsprechenden obersten Ort der zentralen Ausdehnung lokalen Druck auf die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) anzuwenden.

16. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 14, wobei das untere Ende der zentralen Ausdehnung vorstehende Druckpunkte hat, um ansprechend auf Druck an dem entsprechenden obersten Ort der zentralen Ausdehnung lokalen Druck auf die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) anzuwenden.

17. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 12, wobei die zentrale Ausdehnung sich um etwa 1,524 mm (0,060 Inch) oberhalb der Vorderseite der Frontplatte (102, 916) erstreckt.

18. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 14, wobei die zentrale Ausdehnung sich um etwa 1,524 mm (0,060 Inch) oberhalb der Vorderseite der Frontplatte (102, 916) erstreckt.

19. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Statusanzeigen (936) blaue LEDs sind.

20. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die elektronische Schaltungsanordnung aufweist:

- einen Halbleiterschalter (210), der betriebsfähig ist, um in einer elektrischen Reihenschaltung zwischen eine Wechselstromquelle (204) und den Verbraucher (208) gekoppelt zu werden, wobei der Halbleiterschalter einen Steuereingang zum Steuern des Halbleiterschalters zwischen einem nicht leitenden Zustand und einem leitenden Zustand hat; und

- eine Steuerung (214), die mit dem Steuereingang des Halbleiterschalters (210) gekoppelt ist, um den Halbleiterschalter zwischen einem nicht leitenden Zustand und einem leitenden Zustand umzuschalten;

- wobei ferner das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) betriebsfähig ist, um mit einer Punktbetätigung betätigt zu werden, welche durch eine Position und eine Kraft gekennzeichnet ist, wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) betriebsfähig ist, um die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) zu berühren, um die Kraft der Punktbetätigung auf die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) zu konzentrieren, wobei die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) einen Ausgang hat, der betriebsfähig mit der Steuerung (214) gekoppelt ist, um ein Steuersignal bereitzustellen, das die Position der Punktbetätigung darstellt.

21. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 20, die ferner aufweist: mehrere Statusanzeigen (936), die zwischen der berührungsempfindlichen Vorrichtung (110, 930) und dem Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) angeordnet sind.

22. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 21, wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) ein transluzentes Material aufweist, so dass das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) als ein Lichtleiter für die Statusanzeigen arbeitet.

23. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 22, die ferner aufweist: eine Leiterplatte (938), die zwischen der berührungsempfindlichen Vorrichtung (110, 930) und dem Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) angeordnet ist.

24. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Leiterplatte (938) aufweist:

- mehrere Löcher (939), die entlang der Längsachse der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) angeordnet sind; und

- wobei ferner die mehreren ersten Säulen (934) betriebsfähig sind, um sich durch die mehreren Löcher (939) der Leiterplatte (938) zu erstrecken, so dass das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) betriebsfähig ist, um die Kraft der Punktbetätigung auf die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) zu übertragen.

25. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 22, wobei die Statusanzeigen (936) in einer linearen Anordnung entlang einer Längsachse der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) bereitgestellt sind und betriebsfähig sind, um zu beleuchten, um eine Darstellung der an den elektrischen Verbraucher gelieferten Leistungsmenge anzuzeigen.

26. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 20, die ferner aufweist:

- eine Leiterplatte (938), die zwischen der berührungsempfindlichen Vorrichtung (110, 930) und dem Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) angeordnet ist, wobei die Leiterplatte (938) mehrere Löcher (939) hat, die entlang der Längsachse der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) angeordnet sind;

- wobei ferner die mehreren ersten Säulen (934) betriebsfähig sind, um sich durch die mehreren Löcher (939) der Leiterplatte (938) zu erstrecken, so dass das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) betriebsfähig ist, um die Kraft der Punktbetätigung auf die berührungsempfindliche Vorrichtung (110, 930) zu übertragen.

27. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 26, die ferner aufweist:

- mehrere Statusanzeigen (936), die in einer linearen Anordnung im Wesentlichen über die Länge des Berührungsbetätigungselements (106, 912) entlang der Längsachse der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) an der Leiterplatte (938) montiert sind;

- wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement mehrere zweite Säulen (940) mit Längen aufweist, die geringer als die Längen der ersten Säulen (934) sind, wobei jede der mehreren Statusanzeigen (936) hinter einer der zweiten Säulen (940) angeordnet ist.

28. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 27, wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) ein transluzentes Material aufweist, so dass das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) als ein Lichtleiter für die Statusanzeigen (936) arbeitet.

29. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 20, die ferner aufweist:

- eine Blende (914), die in der Öffnung (104, 918) der Frontplatte (102, 916) aufgenommen und an der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) montiert ist, so dass die Blende (914) an dem Ort in Bezug auf die Frontplatte (102, 916) fixiert ist, wobei die Blende (914) eine Öffnung umfasst;

- wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) in der Öffnung der Blende (914) derart aufgenommen wird, dass das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) betriebsfähig ist, um sich in Bezug auf die Blende (914) zu bewegen.

30. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Statusanzeigen (936) in einer linearen Anordnung auf der Leiterplatte (938) montiert sind.

31. Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) nach Anspruch 30, wobei die Statusanzeigen (936) in einer linearen Anordnung entlang einer Längsachse der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) bereitgestellt sind und betriebsfähig sind, um zu beleuchten, um eine Darstellung der an den elektrischen Verbraucher gelieferten Leistungsmenge anzuzeigen; und

- wobei das Berührungsbetätigungselement (106, 912) und die lineare Anordnung von Statusanzeigen (936) entlang einer Längsachse der Steuervorrichtung (100, 900) bereitgestellt sind.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de commande (100,900) pour un système de commande électrique pour un signal électrique à sortie variable afin de commander de façon variable la sortie d'une charge en accord avec la position du point d'actionnement, ladite structure de commande comprenant :

- un volume clos qui contient un circuit électrique, ledit volume clos ayant une surface frontale ;

- une plaque de couverture (102,916) adaptée de façon à couvrir ladite surface frontale dudit volume clos, ladite plaque de couverture (102, 916) ayant une surface plane (103) et ayant une ouverture rectangulaire (104, 918)

- un organe d'actionnement tactile allongé (106, 912) placé dans ladite ouverture rectangulaire (104, 918) et adapté pour avoir une pression de mise en oeuvre, ledit organe d'actionnement tactile allongé (106, 912), étant disposé le long d'un axe longitudinal dudit organe de commande (100, 900) et

- un dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) aligné avec ladite ouverture rectangulaire (104, 918) et s'étendant le long de ladite direction longitudinale sur pratiquement la longueur dudit organe d'actionnement tactile allongé (106, 912) ledit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) monté entre la plaque de couverture (102, 916) et la surface frontale dudit volume clos, ledit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) étant relié au circuit électrique et adapté pour produire un signal de sortie en relation avec la position dudit organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) auquel est appliquée ladite pression de mise en oeuvre ;

- dans lequel ledit organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) comporte une pluralité de premiers pions (934) s'étendant de façon linéaire le long dudit axe longitudinal dudit dispositif de commande (100,900) sur pratiquement la longueur dudit organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) la pluralité des premiers pions (934) servant à transmettre la force du point d'actionnement sur ledit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) en réponse à la position du point d'actionnement.

2. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) a une longueur de plus d'environ 88,9mm (3,5 pouce), une largeur d'environ 4,72mm (0,186 pouce) et une hauteur au-dessus de la surface de ladite plaque de couverture (102, 916) d'environ 1,58mm (0,0625 pouce).

3. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 931) est un pavé tactile diviseur résistif.

4. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) est un pavé tactile capacitif

5. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit organe allongé d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) est rectiligne et s'étend le long d'un axe longitudinal de la plaque de couverture (102, 916) de telle sorte que ledit organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) soit parallèle aux côtés de ladite plaque de couverture (102, 916)

6. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit organe allongé d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) est au centre de la largeur de la plaque de couverture (102, 916).

7. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 1 comportant en outre

- une pièce d'accouplement (922)

- une enceinte (926) pour ledit volume clos ladite enceinte étant accouplée à ladite pièce d'accouplement (922) à la périphérie de ladite enceinte

- en outre dans laquelle ladite plaque de couverture(102, 916) est reliée à ladite plaque d'accouplement

- ledit organe allongé d'actionnement (106, 912) ayant une surface continue accessible adaptée pour recevoir une pression de fonctionnement

- ledit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) fournissant ledit signal de sortie en réponse à ladite pression de fonctionnement appliquée n'importe où le long de ladite surface (108) dudit organe d'actionnement (106, 912) ledit signal de sortie ayant au moins une caractéristique qui est une fonction de la position réelle sur ladite surface à laquelle la pression de fonctionnement est appliquée, ledit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) monté entre la plaque de couverture et ladite pièce d'accouplement (922)

- dans lequel le circuit électrique est configuré pour ajuster la puissance fournie à ladite charge en accord avec le signal de sortie.

8. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 7 dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) a au plus une longueur d'environ 63,5mm (2,5 pouce) une largeur d'au moins 4,76mm (3/16 de pouce) et une hauteur au-dessus de la plaque de couverture (102, 916) inférieure à 2,38mm (3/32 de pouce).

9. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 8 dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) a une longueur d'environ 31,75mm (2.5/8 de pouce) à environ 101,6mm (4 pouce) une largeur d'environ 3,175mm (1/8) à 6,35mm (1/4 de pouce) et une hauteur d'environ 0,79mm (1/32 de pouce) à environ 2,38mm (3/32 de pouce)

10. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 9 dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) a une longueur d'environ 47,625mm (3.5/8 de pouce) une largeur d'environ 4,46mm (3/16 de pouce) et une hauteur d'environ 1,58mm (1/16 de pouce)

11. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 7 dans lequel ledit organe allongé d'actionnement (106, 912) est disposé au centre de la largeur de ladite plaque de couverture (102, 916)

12. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 1 dans lequel l'ouverture rectangulaire de la plaque de couverture (104, 918) comporte une fente mince allongée et ledit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) est plus large que ladite fente et supporté derrière et à distance de la surface arrière de la plaque de couverture (102, 916) ; ledit dispositif de commande comportant en outre
un mince panneau de support d'indicateur d'état monté au-dessus dudit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) une pluralité d'indicateurs d'état (936) montés sur ledit mince panneau de support d'indicateur d'état le long d'une ligne qui est centrée sur le centre de ladite fente allongée dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile allongé (106, 912) comporte un organe d'actionnement flexible comportant une mince bride ayant une extension centrale s'étendant d'une des surfaces ladite bride étant positionnée au-dessus dudit panneau d'indicateur d'état et ladite extension centrale s'étendant à travers ladite fente allongée et au- dessus de la surface frontale de la plaque de couverture (102, 916) ladite extension centrale ayant un jeu à la surface de son fond à l'endroit de chacun desdits indicateurs d'état, lesdits premiers pions (934) s'étendant à travers les ouvertures dudit mince panneau support d'indicateurs d'état pour la mise en oeuvre dudit dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) par lequel ledit organe d'actionnement flexible peut être pressé en n'importe quel endroit de sa longueur de telle sorte que lesdits premiers pions (934) fassent pression dur ledit organe sensible au toucher (110,930) à l'endroit correspondant sur ledit organe sensible au toucher (110, 930) ;
ledit dispositif de commande (100, 900) comportant en outre une pluralité de conduits de lumière s'étendant perpendiculairement à travers ladite extension centrale et ayant au fond une surface adjacente à mais séparée de la surface supérieure desdits indicateurs d'état et ayant une extrémité supérieure à la surface externe de ladite extension centrale
dans lequel ledit circuit électronique relie ledit organe sensible au toucher (110, 930) auxdits indicateurs d'état (936) pour illuminer les indicateurs d'état (939) en réponse à la pression appliquée sur l'organe sensible au toucher (110, 930) aux endroits adjacents.

13. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 12 dans lequel ladite bride et ladite extension centrale dont intégralement formés en un matériau flexible.

14. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 12 dans lequel la surface supérieure de ladite extension centrale est cylindrique.

15. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 12 dans lequel l'extrémité inférieure de ladite extension centrale comporte des points de pression faisant saillie pour appliquer localement de la pression sur ledit organe sensible au toucher (110, 930) en réponse à la pression à l'endroit supérieur correspondant de ladite extension centrale.

16. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 14 dans lequel ladite extrémité inférieure de ladite extension centrale comporte des points de pression en saillie pour l'application localement de pression sur l'organe sensible au toucher (110, 930) en réponse à la pression à l'endroit correspondant de ladite extension centrale.

17. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 12 dans lequel l'extension centrale s'étend au- dessus de de l'avant de la plaque frontale (102, 916) d'environ 1,524mm (0.060 pouce).

18. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 14 dans lequel ladite extension centrale s'étend au-dessus de l'avant de la plaque frontale (102, 916) d'environ 1,524mm (0.060 pouce).

19. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 12 dans lequel lesdits indicateurs d'état (936) sont des LEDS bleues.

20. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 1 dans lequel le circuit électronique comporte
un interrupteur à semi-conducteur (210) mis en oeuvre pour être couplé en connexion électrique en série entre une source de courant alternatif (204) et la charge (208) l'interrupteur à semi-conducteur ayant une entrée de commande pour commander l'interrupteur à semi-conducteur entre un état non-conducteur et un état conducteur ;
et un organe de commande (214) couplé pour commander l'entrée de l'interrupteur à semi-conducteur pour commander l'interrupteur à semi-conducteur entre un état non conducteur et un état conducteur ;
dans lequel en outre l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) peut être mis en oeuvre afin d'être actionné avec un point d'actionnement caractérisé par une position et une force, l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) pouvant être mis en oeuvre pour contacter le dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) de façon à concentrer la force du point d'actionnement sur le dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930), le dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) ayant une sortie couplée à l'organe de commande (214) pour fournir un signal de commande représentatif de la position du point d'actionnement.

21. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) la revendication 20 comportant en outre une pluralité d'indicateurs d'état (936) disposés entre le dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) et l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912)

22. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 21 dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) comporte un matériau translucide tel que l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) agit comme un conduit de lumière pour les indicateurs d'état.

23. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 22 comportant en outre un circuit imprimé (938) disposé entre le dispositif sensible au toucher(110, 930) et l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912).

24. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 23 dans lequel le circuit imprimé (938) comporte :

une pluralité d'orifices (939) disposés le long de l'axe longitudinal du dispositif de commande (100, 900) et

dans lequel en outre la pluralité de pions (934) sont mis en oeuvre pour s'étendre à travers la pluralité d'orifices (939) du circuit imprimé (938) de telle sorte que l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106; 912) puisse être mis en oeuvre pour transmettre la force du point d'actionnement dur le dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930).

25. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 22 dans lequel les indicateurs d'état (936) sont disposés de façon linéaire le long d'un axe longitudinal du dispositif de commande (100, 900) et sont mis en oeuvre pour illuminer l'affichage représentant la quantité de puissance fournie à la charge électrique.

26. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 20 comprenant en outre
un circuit imprimé (938) disposé entre le dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930) et l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912), le circuit imprimé ayant une pluralité d'orifices (939) disposés le long de l'axe longitudinal dui dispositif de commande (100, 900) ;
dans lequel une pluralité de premiers pions (934) peuvent être mis en oeuvre pour s'étendre à travers une pluralité d'orifices (939) du circuit imprimé (938) de telle sorte que l'organe d'actuation tactile (106, 912) puisse être mis en oeuvre pour transmettre la force du point d'actionnement sur le dispositif sensible au toucher (110, 930).

27. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 26 comprenant en outre
Une pluralité d'indicateurs d'état (936) montés sur le circuit imprimé (938) de façon linéaire le long de l'axe longitudinal du dispositif de commande (100, 900) sur pratiquement la longueur de l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) ;
Dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) comporte une pluralité de pions secondaires (940) dont la longueur est inférieure à celle des premiers pions (934), chacun de la pluralité des indicateurs d'état étant situé derrière un des pions secondaires.

28. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 27 dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) comporte un matériau translucide tel que l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) fonctionne comme un conduit de lumière pour les indicateurs d'état (936).

29. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 20 comprenant en outre
une lunette (914) placée dans l'ouverture (104, 918) de la plaque d'affichage (102, 916) et montée sur le dispositif de commande (100, 900) de telle façon que la lunette (914) ait une position fixe par rapport à la plaque d'affichage (102, 916) la lunette (914) ayant un orifice
dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) est placé dans l'orifice de la lunette (914) de telle sorte que l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) puisse se déplacer en relation avec la lunette(914).

30. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 23 dans lequel les indicateurs d'état (936) sont disposés de façon linéaire sur le circuit imprimé (938).

31. Dispositif de commande (100, 900) selon la revendication 30 dans lequel les indicateurs d'état (936) sont disposés en ligne le long d'un axe longitudinal du dispositif de commande (100, 900) et sont mis en oeuvre pour illuminer l'(affichage représentant la quantité de puissance délivrée à la charge électrique et
dans lequel l'organe d'actionnement tactile (106, 912) et la ligne d'indicateurs d'état (936) sont disposés le long d'un axe longitudinal du dispositif de commande (100, 900).

Drawing